Political Timber - A Trophy Book Author:Chris Lynch When Gordon Foley receives the use of his grandfather's Studebaker Gran Tourismo Hawk for his 18th birthday, senior year looks especially promising. An internship at a local radio station earns him two days away from school each week, and his girlfriend, Sweaty Betty, seems more affectionate in the Hawk?how could life possibly be better? The... more » car, however, comes with a price tag. Gordon must run for mayor, the office most recently held by his now-incarcerated grandfather, who was unaware of the law forbidding anyone with a criminal record to be mayor. With "Da" and his goons doing all of the campaign work, Gordie figures, how hard could it be to run for mayor? Very, when the radio station declares open season on him during call-in shows, the school newspaper capitalizes on every unwise (and often profane) word he utters, and campaigning begins to take more time than just his two free days. But Gordie's personal gains are far greater than any intellectual familiarity with the political process he acquires, as he emerges slightly more mature and genuine with a new appreciation for his relationships. His losses, however, include Da, who, unable to admit his own failure, mistakes Gordie's honesty for betrayal.« less